HISTORY OF

SARATOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

by NATHANIEL BARTLETT SYLVESTER

1878

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HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES AND TOWNS OF SARATOGA COUNTY.

SARATOGA (Part 2).

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V. - VILLAGES.

The various villages and hamlets in the town of Saratoga have received their names as follows:

Grangerville is named from Harvey Granger, who, though not the founder of the first mills, yet owned them for a long time, until his name became common to the place.

Dean's Corners is named from Dr. Dean, who lived at that point and practiced for many years. He was not the first settler, however.

Quaker Springs derives its name from the fact that valuable springs exist there, and it is near the meeting-house where the Friends have met for more than a hundred years. It is claimed that the mineral spring was known to the early French and English voyageurs many years before those at Saratoga Springs. The water is of excellent quality, and the property is now owned by Isaac W. Meader. There is also near it a valuable white sulphur spring.

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VICTORY.

The enterprise of the Victory Manufacturing Company has built up this thriving village. It derives its name wholly from the fancy of the company, who inserted it in the title of their organization in allusion to the victory of General Gates, won in their immediate vicinity. A neat chapel for religious worship has been erected upon ground donated by the company, and built largely by their contribution. Preaching is usually maintained, as well as a Sunday-school, throughout the year. The village was incorporated under the general law in 1849. The first meeting of the board of trustees was held April 16 of that year. The first officers were William E. Miner, Patrick Cooney, George McCreedy, Russell Carr, Benjamin Kelsey. William E. Miner was president, and James Cavanaugh clerk. The latter removed to the west, and has since been a member of Congress.

The present trustees are William E. Ingerson, Michael E. Barrett, Charles W. Law, Peter Flanegan, James O'Reilly. William E. Ingerson is president; John M. Connors, collector; John Carlin, clerk; Sheldon B. Gates, treasurer.

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VI. - SCHOOLS.

Early schools and school-houses are already mentioned among the items of early settlement, and in the several reminiscences given. The first action of the town recorded was in 1796, simply the appointment of school commissioners under the then existing law, - Sidney Berry, Herman Van Veghten, Joseph Palmer, Thomas Jeffords, Benjamin Phillips. In 1797 the commissioners were Sidney Berry, Daniel Bull, Joseph Palmer, Thomas Jeffords, Solomon Wheeler. In 1798, Thomas Jeffords, William Force, George Cramer. None appointed in 1799. In 1800, Thomas Jeffords, Elihu Billings, Daniel Bull, and William Wait. The law was changed at that time, and no further action was taken by the town until 1813, when they evidently accepted the conditions of the new school act, providing that the towns by raising an equal amount of money could receive from the public funds for the support of schools. That year commissioners were elected, - Wallace Crawford, Harvey Granger, John R. Mott, and Inspectors Philip Duryea, Martin L. Bryan, Reuben Perry, Esek Cowen, David Evarts, Zeno Remington. The town was then divided into eighteen school districts.

In the following years other persons served as commissioners, one or more years each, down to 1844 - James Green, Jr., Jonas Olmstead, James Mott, Harvey Granger, Esek Cowen, William Davis, Eli Granger, James W. Smith, Edward Fitch, Henry D. Chapman, Francis R. Winney, James Annibal, Oliver Cleveland, Henry Wagman, James Place, Ira Lawrence, William Wilcox, Elnathan Patterson, Wm. B. Caldwell, Henry F. Sherman (2^d), Richard H. Livingston, Joseph Soule, Orville B. Dibble, Stephen H. Dillingham, Henry T. Sherman, Abram B. Barker, James P. Cramer, Thomas Smith, Alfred Scofield, John R. Mott, Ephraim Hill, John G. Mulford, John B. Wright, Chauncey D. Bull, Benajah Barker, Thomas J. Marshall, Cornelius Letcher, Gabriel Robbins, James C. Milligan, Dr. John R. Preston, Eliakim H. Mosher, Wm. C. Brisbin, Wm. Barnes, Gilbert Wright, Jr., Fones Wilbur, Isaac Freeman, Zina Clements.

The following also served as inspectors, one or more years each, in the period from 1814 to 1844: John H. Steel, John R. Mott, Richard M. Livingston, William L.F. Warren, Dudley Farlin, James Green, Henry D. Chapman, Elnathan Spinner, James W. Smith, Aaron Blake, Wm. B. Caldwell, Abram Van Duzen, Rockwell Putnam, Harmon J. Betts, Philip Schuyler, Daniel Morgan, Jr., Oliver Brisbin, Joseph Welch, James C. Milligan, Wm. Bennett (2^d), Asher Smith, John P. Winney, Conrad Cramer, James Randall, Oliver Cleveland, Edward Fitch, Robert Y. Milligan, David Brisbin, Henry Holmes, Walter Van Veghten, Reuben Perry, Ephraim Hill, John G. Mulford, Nicholas J. Green, Thomas Smith, James Strang, Ephraim Hill, Reuben Perry, Alfred Scofield, Henry M. Dennis, Josiah Dean, James C. Milligan, Franklin Ruy, Paul P. Atwell, Daniel W. Belding, Wm. C. Brisbin, Wm. Barns, Fones Wilbur, Dr. John R. Preston, Henry Holmes, Richard S. Sheldon, Samuel W. Belding, Clark Perkins, James McNeil, Amos Reynolds, and Samuel Randall.

Town Superintendents of Common Schools. - 1844-45, Daniel W. Belding; 1846, John R. Preston; 1847-48, Amos Reynolds; 1850-51, John R. Preston; 1852-53, Chauncey W. Allen; 1854, Nathaniel M. Wright; 1855-56, Chauncey W. Allen.

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COMMISSIONERS' APPORTIONMENT: SARATOGA, MARCH, 1878.

VII. - CHURCHES.

THE REFORMED (DUTCH) CHURCH OF SARATOGA.

This church was organized before the Revolutionary war, certainly as early as 1772, and, no doubt, many years previous to that date. No record remains of the society in those earliest years. Even the name of the pastor is not recorded, and it is supposed that the services of the church were maintained only at intervals by minutes from Albany and Schenectady. That the society had strength, determination, and some financial ability is shown from the fact that they erected a house of worship, a building that became historic from its occupancy by the British troops, and its location near the very spot where the great surrender of 1777 took place. It was used as a hospital, and George Strover relates the incident that a young lady seated by a north window and eating an apple was instantly killed by a rifle-shot from the American camp on the hill, the ball cutting her throat. She was buried within the church under the spot where she was killed. Mr. Strover himself saw the blood-stains on the window, and the bones when they were removed at the taking down of the building. During the war the society itself was virtually dissolved, and a reorganization took place in 1789. July 10 of that year a meeting was held, in which twenty male members took part, and elected Cornelius Van Veghten and Peter Becker elders, Jesse Tall and James Abel deacons. They also resolved that the services of the church be conducted in the English language, and extended a call to Rev. Samuel Smith, who accepted it, came to this place the 9th of December, and was ordained in the month of January, 1790. Mr. Smith remained as pastor of the church until the year 1800, when he accepted a call from Connecticut Farms, New Jersey, and soon after removed to that place. He married one hundred and fifty couples in the ten years.

In 1792 fifty acres of land were purchased by the society north of the present village of Schuylerville, and a parsonage erected. This building is still standing, and belongs to the farm of Mrs. William Marshall. In later years, the property having been sold by the society many years since, a neat and pleasant home for the minister has been secured by the society on the corner of Ferry and Pearl streets. After the resignation of Mr. Smith, the pulpit was vacant for two years, when a call was voted to the Rev. Philip Duryee. He accepted it December, 1802, and on the 13^th of April; 1803, was ordained and installed. He was pastor of the church for twenty-five years, and is referred to by the older residents of the town as the first minister they remember, and the old building as the first meeting-house they entered in the days of their childhood. Feb. 7, 1821, the following record is made: "The consistory of the Reformed Protestant Dutch church of Saratoga, fully aware of their present situation, are persuaded that the congregation have seen that the house which their fathers built must soon fall to pieces, and they and their children must be left destitute. It must have also occurred to the congregation that, situated as they are, one temple will not answer their wants, the people being so scattered." The society then resolved to build two churches, - the one to be located at Schuylerville; the other west, wherever that portion of the congregation may direct. This led to the founding of the church at Bacon Hill, Northumberland. At last, in 1822, the old meeting-house of historic memory was taken down, and considerable of the material used in the erection of a new house on the present site in Schuylerville. This house was destroyed by fire in 1831, and was replaced by a stone edifice that stood until 1856, when it was demolished, and the present brick structure was erected. The house stands upon a large and convenient lot, a broad and handsome site. The church has had ten pastors since its reorganization in 1789, and its present membership is one hundred and ninety. It has a consistory of ten members; one of whom, Mr. Nathan Corliss, has been an officer for twenty-eight years. The present pastor is Rev. D.K. Van Doren.

A few additional items are taken from the venerable book in possession of the church. At the meeting of 1789 the following members took part in the election of officers: Peter Becker, Abram Low, John Mahawney, Simon Deridder, Corruth Brisbin, Jesse Toll, Julian Winne, Hendrick Van Beuren, Jacobus Abeel, John Smith, John B. Schuyler, Nicholas V.D. Barch, Cornelius McLain, Jacob Dannals, Abram Marshall, Solomon Wheeler, George McHutchin, James Brisbin, Stephen Viele, James Milligan. The officers chosen were ordained July 26, 1789, by Rev. E. Westerlo, of Albany. The same day James Brisbin was also elected an elder, and Corruth Brisbin a deacon. The ordination services of Pastor Smith were conducted by Rev. Mr. Westerlo, of Albany, with the pastors of Lansingburg and Waterford. Rev. Mr. Duryea, the next pastor, was ordained by Revs. Winslow, Paige, and John L. Zabriskie, May 1, 1803. He was dismissed to take charge of a church in New Jersey, October, 1828. He died there in 1850. The pastors since then have been as follows: Rev. Hugh M. Boyd, 1829 to 1834; Rev. Edward May, 1836 to 1839; Rev. David Jones, 1839 to 1844; Rev. C.H. Chester, Oct. 30, 1844, to Feb. 19, 1850; Rev. F.S. Searle, 1850 to 1857; Rev. Franklin Merrill, 1850 to 1861. He died of consumption. Rev. A.G. Lansing followed; he was succeeded by Rev. Isaac H. Collier. The present pastor, Rev. D.K. Van Doren, began his labors here, Aug. 1, 1874. The present Elders are, Nathan Corliss, George T. Watson, Samuel Sheldon, L. B. Viele, Samuel Wells; Deacons, J.H. De Ridder, Z. French, D. Sample, J. Ingersoll, R. Sutfin; Clerk, S. Wells; Superintendent of Sunday-school, J.H. De Ridder. Scholars, two hundred; four hundred volumes in the library. The first marriage recorded was Feb. 7, 1790, - Nehemiah Billing to Elizabeth Francis. The first baptisms, George and Anne, children of Jacob Dannals, Jan. 24, 1790.

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BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Baptist church of Schuylerville, known until 1836 as the First Baptist church of Saratoga, was constituted in 1790, and was received as a member of the old Shaftsbury Association ia 1791. It united with the Saratoga Association in 1805. The following remark from "Benedict's History of the Baptist Churches," written in 1812, taken literally, would apply to this church, and carry the date of its organization back to 1772. He says, "There was a church founded near where Burgoyne surrendered more than forty years ago, which was broken up and scattered by the devastations of war." This claim is not sustained by the records of the Shaftsbury Association, and though the tradition among the people of Schuylerville assigns a very early period to the efforts of Baptist ministers, yet in the absence of all written records at home the books of the Shaftsbury Association must be regarded as correct. Besides, the remark in Benedict's history is applied by the compiler of the Shaftsbury records, in 1852, to the church in Stillwater, and, if true at all, perhaps properly belong there.

The Schuylerville church was represented in the association of 1791 by Rev. S. Rogers, pastor, and S. Munger, messenger. They reported forty-seven members. In 1800 no delegates were present, and the membership is stated at twenty-eight. The successive Baptist ministers preaching for this church have been Samuel Rogers, Joseph Craw, Azariah Hanks, John Colby, J. Finch, S.S. Parr, Charles B. Keyes, Joseph W. Sawyer, P.D. Gillette, J. Murphy, B.F. Garfield, William Hutchinson, T.S. Rogers, William Bowen, Elder Coburn, Elder Dubois, William J. Loomis, J.H. Bullard, William Garnet.

The loss of the written records earlier than 1832 prevents giving the name of the first officers, with facts of general interest which may usually be selected from such records. The earlier preaching, as in the case of other societies, was in school-houses, barns, and private houses.

Mrs. St. John, still living in Schuylerville, states that Jordan's bridge was an old place of baptism. She herself was baptized there in 1825. At that time, and for several years after, the old meeting-house was in use. This was probably built in 1807 or 1808. It stood near the present residence of Morgan Moe. about three miles from Schuylerville. It is still standing, moved back from the road, and used as a hay-barn. Stafford's bridge was another place of baptism. The new house in Schuylerville was built about the year 1833. Prominent members and deacons in early years were Reuben Perry, James Lewis, Elihu Billings, and William T. Smith.

Rev. Samuel Rogers, the first minister of this church, had been in the military service during the Revolutionary war. He was a teamster attached to the army of Gates at the time of the battles of Saratoga. One night he was carrying a load of specie northward, and was so closely followed by the British, and the muddy roads so delayed his progress, he was obliged to cut his team loose, - allow them to go, - while he carried the keg of specie into the woods and kept guard over them all night. The next day he succeeded in getting them safely to their destination. He died in Stillwater, Feb. 6, 1823. At the time of building the house in Schuylerville Joshua Finch was clerk, and Richard M. Livingston was a very active leader in securing the erection of the new house. The church cost about $1600. Since Joshua Finch there have been only two clerks, - R.S. Sheldon and Jacob Osborne, the latter serving for more than twenty years.

Deacons at the present time are O.J. Bates, Benjamin Tabor, and Charles Devoe. Trustees are James Dillingham, Jacob Osborne, and Nathaniel M. Bennett.

Jacob Osborne, in furnishing these statistics, adds, that religious services was conducted by Elder Gillette when the remains were removed from the old Broad street burial-ground to the North cemetery in 1840.

Mr. Osborne was present and saw the ground dug over carefully, and the remains of about seventy bodies removed. It is not believed that any were left.

The society have recently settled Rev. Irving C. Forte, formerly of the editorial staff of the Clyde Times, western New York. He enters upon his new field of labor with excellent prospects of usefulness, and the venerable society of other days is renewing the vigor of its youth in the activities of Christian work.

From the records of the First Baptist church of Stillwater, it appears the following members were set off some time before 1800 to form the church at Fish creek: Jonathan Kendall, Seth Crowell, Henry Knapp, Alpheus Davis, Hezekiah Dunham, Joseph Coon, Timothy Carrier, Jonathan Sweet, Mr. Petit, Rufus Ballard, Zaccheus Taylor, Niles Taylor, Solomon Carrier, Benjamin Taylor, Thomas Gordon, Daniel Miller, George Coon, David Cross, Hezekiah Betts, Sampson Davis.

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METHODIST CHURCH.

The subscription to build the house, an old time-stained document, bears date Jan. 30, 1827. The paper has this preface, "From Lansingburg along the valley of the Hudson for fifty miles, with a breadth of from eight to ten miles, the Episcopal Methodists have not one house dedicated to the worship of God. Private dwellings, school-houses, and barns have hitherto afforded to their classes a precarious yet acceptable resort. Perhaps there is not a spot in that rich and populous district of country where so many of this denomination of Christians would meet, as at Schuylerville, if a suitable edifice could be erected."

The effort was successful, and a house costing $1600 was built in the summer of 1827, and dedicated in the fall. The same house is still standing, kept in good repair, a neat and appropriate chapel, better after fifty years' use than if it had that modern attachment - a mortgage - resting upon it. The trustees at the time of building were John Cox, Jedediah :Beckwith, Oliver Cleveland, John Seeley, and George Strover. The class-leaders were John Cox, Asa Welch, and John Seeley. John Cox was also steward, clerk, and sexton. Of these names, John Seeley is still living in Rochester, of this State, and George Strover in this place. Earlier than the building of the houses there were many years of pioneer work by the Methodist ministers in this town.

Peter Gallett, to whose industry in gathering and keeping the old records we are indebted for these facts, in his youth heard the Rev. Mr. Campbell give an account of his early labors here, far back nearly or quite to the year 1800. In those times he traveled a circuit three hundred miles or more in extent, taking six weeks to fill the circuit appointments, endured all the difficulties of pioneer work, fording streams, staying in the woods, preaching from stumps, holding service in school-houses and in barns.

Milligan's hill school-house was an old-time place of Methodist preaching; also the place known now as Hemlock. At Schuylerville, quarterly meetings were first held in the barn on the Schuyler place. In connection with the church a female missionary society was organized in 1832, with Mary Ross, president; Sarah Ward, vice-president; Sarah Cox, treasurer; Elizabeth Cox, secretary.

The first Sabbath-school was established by an organized society, of which Rev. Robert Washburn was president; John Seeley, secretary; John Cox, superintendent. Philip Schuyler's name appears as a subscriber to the funds of the school. The roll of members in 1827 includes about thirty-five. Services have always been continued without interruption. The present number of members is about three hundred, and there is an attendance at the Sunday-school of nearly one hundred and fifty. Present officers are A.F. Bailey, preacher; Isaac Whitman, superintendent of Sunday-school; trustees, Edwin Root, Isaac Whitman, Peter Gallett, James McAchron, David Graw, William Marshall, and John Chapman. John Cox, whose name appears so often in the early records, served the church faithfully in various positions for more than thirty years. The successive preachers appointed to this charge from 1825 to the present time have been B. Griffin, W.P. Lake, W.H. Norris, G. Lyons, C.P. Clark, D. Ensign, J. Beaman, J.D. Moriaty, N. Rice, S. Stevens, J. Lucky, P. Newman, D. Braylore, T. Newman, P.P. Atwell, O. Pier, E. Goss, J. Harwood, H. Burton, C. Meeker, J. Quinlan, D. Stephens, H. Chase, S. Coleman, C. Pomeroy, J.B. Houghtaling, C.R. Norris, S. Stiles, P.M. Hitchcock, O. Emerson, J. Sage, J. Quinlin, P.S. Williams, C.L. Wager, J.W. Belknap, P.P. Harrower, R. Fox, S. Meredith, W. Bedell, W.J. Heath, L. Marshall, J.B. Sylvester, W.H.L. Starke, S.M. Williams, A.S. Bailey.

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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The movement that led to the establishment of the Episcopal church in Schuylerville commenced just north, in the town of Northumberland. Rev. Reuben Hubbard, traveling through here in 1838, and stopping at the house of Mr. Jesse Finne, and becoming known as a member of the Episcopal church, to which Mr. Finne had been attached in his youth, was cordially invited by him to preach, and did so in his house, March 19. Services were held in this manner for several years. The first baptisms were three children of Mr. John Finne, duly recorded in the books of St. John's church, Stillwater.

The first service in the village of Schuylerville was held in the old academy, Feb. 25, 1844, by Rev. Reuben Hubbard. The first formal organization was made at the house of Mr. Finne, March 2, 1846. Rev. Reuben Hubbard presided, and John Metcalf was secretary. They determined upon the name of St. Stephen's church, and elected the following officers: Jesse Finne and James Pickering, wardens; John Finne, Joseph Finne, Benjamin Losee, James Pickering, George U. Gates, James E. Stebbins, John R. Preston, and Henry W. Merrill, vestrymen.

The delegates to the diocesan convention of 1846 were Thomas Ball, James Pickering, and James G. Stebbins. At the meeting of Sept. 12, 1846, a lot gratuitously offered by the Victory Manufacturing Company was duly and gratefully accepted; but the society did not build at that time, and services were not maintained regularly for some years after 1850.

The church was finally built and presented to the society by Dr. Payne, to whom great credit is due for this munificent and graceful gift. It occupies a most beautiful and picturesque spot, and is itself a model of church architecture at once neat and classical.

The services of the first clergyman, Rev. Reuben Hubbard, were continued down to 1850, when the congregation, in accepting his resignation, placed upon their records a strong expression of their love and esteem. The cornerstone of the church was laid June 2, 1868, Rev. P.B. Gibson officiating, and the church was opened for service on Christmas-day of the same year. A font, presented by Dr. Payne, was first used on Good Friday, 1869, five persons being then baptized. The rectorship of the church has subsequently been filled by Rev. George Forbes, Rev. John H. Babcock, Rev. George Walker, and the present incumbent, Rev. Dr. Dean, who commenced his labors here Oct. 17, 1875. The present officers are Dr. C.H. Payne, John R. Preston, wardens; George Strover, S.R. Lawrence, Peter Davison, H.P. Shaw, J.H. Smith, John Knapton, Richard Rastall, Fred. McNaughton, vestrymen. The last named is clerk, and the facts for this sketch are obtained from the carefully-written records in his office.

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FRIENDS' MEETINGS.

These were established in this town very early, - from 1765 to 1770. A log meeting-house was erected before the War of the Revolution, at or near the site of the present one, south of Quaker Springs. The founders of the organization were Gabriel Leggett, Isaac Leggett, Tibbett Soule, Thomas Wilbur, Fones Wilbur, George Davis, David Shepherd, John Walker, and a number of others whose names it is difficult to obtain, as the records now in possession of the society do not extend back earlier than 1793. The deed for the site of the meeting-house bears date Oct. 16, 1793, and conveys the title from John R. Bleecker to William Barker and Isaac Leggett, as trustees. Isaac Leggett was the first minister, and continued in that capacity for many years. He was a man of eminent worth, and withal possessing a decided turn for the pleasant and even humorous side of life. Taken prisoner by the Indians in the early times, he conducted himself with such hilarity, and played such pranks with the young Indians, tripping them up and pushing them into the water, that he escaped all severe treatment, and was not long after released. Meetings have been continued through all the years with unwavering regularity. After the death of Isaac Leggett, several ministers for a few years spoke in the meetings until about 1820, when Andrew Dorland was generally recognized as the minister of the society. From that time for more than fifty years he has walked before the people in that faith and love which characterize true Friends everywhere; and he yet lives in a hale and happy old age, neither his mental powers nor his eye waxed dim.

The records show that at a meeting held the 21st of 7^th month, 1794, John Davis and Jemima Arnold were clerks.

On the 28^th of 1^st month, 1795, George Davis was married to Nancy Mead, and we give the names of the witnesses, as showing many of the early settlers before 1800, and the principal membership of the meeting: Isaac Leggett, Jonathan Griffin, Gideon Mead, John Davis, Joshua McOmber, John Dillingham, Thomas Bennett, Gabriel Leggett, William Barker, David Dillingham, Nathan Mosher, Charles Leggett, David Mosher, John Dillingham; Thomas Shepherd, James Covil, James Cooper, Martha Mead, Ruth Dillingham, Bridget Leggett, Fanny Mead, Hannah Mosher, Mary Covil.

Another early marriage recorded is that of David Mosher to Esther Ackerman, 1^st of 4^th month, 1795. The present officers are David Griffen, clerk; Andrew Dorland, minister. The society constitutes the Saratoga monthly meeting, and is attached to the Saratoga quarterly meeting, which has its regular place of meeting at this point, but does sometimes adjourn to meet in other places, and this latter body belongs to the New York yearly meeting.

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CHURCH OF THE VISITATION (CATHOLIC).

Previous to 1847 there were no regular or permanent services of the Catholic church in this town, but there were many Catholic families already settled here. John Lynch, Michael and John Kelley, Patrick, James, and Lawrence Cooney, Wm. Carroll, Charles and Andrew Farley, Hugh and John Quinn, Hugh T. White, Hugh Temple, John Cavanaugh, James and Thomas Mulvihill, Patrick Lennon, Peter Garrihan, Patrick Airn, Patrick, James, and Mathew Gearatty, Wm. Fitzsimmons, Hugh Geary and Peter Bannon.

The only churches of their faith within a circuit of thirty miles were at Lansingburg, Whitehall, and Sandy Hill. It required much earnest self-sacrifice and a strong love for their faith to go to these distant places, oftentimes on foot, to attend service. It is said that in order to be present at early mass on Christmas morning, many would set out together on foot the previous night. The first meetings in this place were held at the houses of different members, conducted at irregular intervals by visiting priests. Sunday-school was generally held at the house of William Carroll. Catholic services were also held in the old Schuylerville Academy, and in the school-house east of the well-known "Mansion House." Ground was broken for a church in 1845. This was on a lot nearly opposite the present Reformed Protestant church. A plain wooden structure was erected at an expense of about $700, and consecrated in 1847 by Bishop McCloskey. This work was executed under the labors of Rev. Father Daly. He was succeeded by Rev. Father Cull in the missionary work, who, under the rapid increase of the congregation, was obliged to make additions to the church. The first resident priest was Rev. Father Roach, who was succeeded in a short time by the present pastor, Rev. H.B. Finnegan.

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VIII. - BURIAL-PLACES.

The old burial-grounds in town are places of much interest and contain some stones of very early date. At Coveville, on the farm now owned by Charles Searles, there is an inclosure containing the remains of many of the first settlers. There are recorded "Abram Marshall, who departed this life April 30, 1811, aged eighty years and ten months;" "His wife Susannah, died in 1822, aged eighty-eight;" "Elizabeth, daughter of Refine and Mary Gear, died July 7, 1800;" "Stephen, son of Richard Davis, died April 3, 1801, aged eleven." Children of Herman Van Veghten and of Walter Van Veghten are also recorded as having died in 1795, 1797, 1802, and 1806. Besides these there are the unmarked and unnamed graves of many others. Over them still blooms the annual tribute of roses planted by loving hands, surviving the neglect of years, and struggling successfully with the briers and shrubs that have in later years intruded upon the sacred place.

The old burial-ground on the Elihu Billings farm, with the old pines crowning the hill, and waving beautifully over the dead, forms a picturesque spot. Here are found several inscriptions dating earlier than 1800. "Rev. Elisha Tupper, died Jan. 19, 1787, aged eighty." "Rebecca, wife of Christopher Perkins, died March 18, 1795." "John, son of Thomas Smith, died June 2, 1792." "Naomi, daughter of Thomas Smith, died March 11, 1796." "Nathan Davis, died Sept. 17, 1792, aged twenty-seven."

We give a few later ones: "Sarah, wife of Stephen Olney, died Sept. 3, 1808." "Stephen Olney, Jr., died Aug. 28, 1807." "Stephen Olney, died March 20, 1833, aged seventy, six." "Thomas Smith, died March 22, 1801, aged sixty-seven." "Hezekiah Dunham, died April 27, 1810, aged sixty-five." "Captain Jesse Billings, died Feb. 12, 1820, aged eighty-three."

On the Esquire Bailey farm is a burial-ground, full, going back to Vroman's time. The only early stone is to the memory of Henry Green, died in 1809.

There are private burial-places also of the Brisbin families and of some, others. The ancient Friends' burial-ground, not far from the meeting-house, contains in its long, close rows of graves the buried dust of many an early settler. There, in the solemn silence of calm, trusting faith, the dead have for years been laid to rest, and they sleep as peacefully under the buttercups and the daisies as those who slumber beneath the monumental marble of other more showy, but not more sacred grounds.

Early burials at Schuylerville were on the corner of Broad and Burgoyne streets. From this ground the dead were all carefully removed, in 1840, to the cemetery north of the village. This is now but little used, and its successor is the beautifully-located Prospect Hill cemetery, on the heights of Saratoga, as they are described in the histories of the olden times.

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IX. - SOCIETIES AND BANKS.

A Masonic lodge existed in Schuylerville in early times. It ceased to work about the time so many other lodges in the State were closed, and it is not now easy to ascertain its charter members, first officers, or other items of history concerning it.

Sons of Temperance. - Battle Ground Division, No. 247, was organized April 19, 1847. The charter members were George Strover, Walter Mott, Joseph T. Smith, Richard S. Sheldon, John A. Clapp, James G. Stebbins, Joseph Darby, John B. Brisbin, Wm. Bement.

George Strover was the first P.W.P.; Walter Mott, W.P.; Richard S. Sheldon, R.S.; Joseph Smith, C. It continued its work only three years, but its meetings were interesting, and the old members still recollect them with pleasure.

Odd-Fellows. - A lodge existed here during the first growth of the order, but was finally discontinued. It has, however, been revived in later years, and has again a good membership in working condition.

Banks. - The first bank in Schuylerville was a private institution, by Wm. Wilcox, with a capital of $50,000. This enterprise was begun in 1853. In 1856 it was merged into an organized bank, under the name of the "Bank of Old Saratoga." It had a capital of $100,000, and was managed by a board of sixteen directors. Wm. Wilcox was president, and Giles S. Brisbin cashier. This bank was regularly closed in 1865, and was succeeded by "The National Bank of Schuylerville." The capital of the bank is $100,000, and it has at the present time a board of seven directors, - C.W. Mayhew, president; G.F. Watson, cashier; J.H. De Ridder, teller; Samuel Sheldon, W.P. Ostrander, R. English, H.C. Holmes.

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X. - HISTORIC EVENTS AND LOCALITIES.

No history of the town of Saratoga or the village of Schuylerville can be complete without giving briefly the events of the Burgoyne campaign of 1777. The British army, under Burgoyne, left Montreal in June. The American army, under General Schuyler, was then at Fort Ticonderoga. On the 4^th of July, the first anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, General Burgoyne having seized the heights of Mount Defiance, compelled the Americans to abandon the fort and retreat. July 13, the American army was at Fort Edward, and the British army at Whitehall.

Burgoyne pressed closely upon the retreating forces of the Americans. On the 28^th of July, Schuyler's army was at Moses Kill, eight miles above Schuylerville, and two days later it had reached what is now Schuylerville itself. On the 2^d day of August the army of Schuyler moved yet farther down the valley, and encamped in the present town of Stillwater. Meanwhile the British army arrived at the high grounds, less than two miles above the village of Schuylerville, on the east side of the Hudson, and north of the mouth of Batten Kill.

On the 10^th of September he continued the forward movement. His army crossed to the west side of the Hudson river, north of Schuylerville, and just below the present State dam. The point where the army reached the west shore is upon the farm now owned by D.A. Bullard, and the excavation through the bank of the river is yet plainly visible. The army halted for a time on the actual site of Schuylerville, its encampment supposed to have been along a line north and south from the present Reformed church. Meanwhile, before the stirring news from Bennington had aroused the whole people, in fact five days before the battle of Bennington was fought, General Schuyler left Stillwater, and by the 18^th, two days after the battle of Bennington, had intrenched his army on an island at the mouth of the Mohawk river.

In the mean time Schuyler was removed and General Gates assigned to the command while as yet the result at Bennington was unknown, for General Gates reached the army Aug. 19, only three days later than the battle of Bennington. He came at an auspicious hour for his own fame as well as for the safety of the army.

Soon the American army returned northward, selected Bemus Heights, fortified them, and awaited events. Burgoyne, though feeling seriously the defeat at Bennington, was nevertheless obliged to attempt the execution of the original plan. Like the brave general he was, at the head of brave men, he faced the danger, led his forces into action, and gave the American army ample opportunity for exerting all their skill and bravery. The decisive battles of Sept. 19 and Oct. 7 left the British army with no resource but retreat or surrender. The former was attempted, though after considerable delay. They reached Schuylerville Oct. 10, and for a short time were on the south side of Fish creek, and General Burgoyne occupied the Schuyler mansion as his headquarters. The American army, following, compelled them to cross Fish creek and enter old Fort Hardy. They threw up a breastwork, inclosing the fort and an encampment about fifty rods square in the angle between the river and the creek. They also held the range of hills to the west, along the heights of the present new cemetery, and northward to the house of the late Wm. B. Marshall. General Gates was soon encamped on the range of hills south of Fish creek, and anticipating the course of events, he had some days before sent a force northward on the east side of the river. The positions occupied were at Fort Edwards, also on the north side of the Batten Kill, and on the present Simon Sheldon farm, nearly opposite Schuylerville. This last is clearly seen at the present time as a projecting spur of the hill north of Sheldon's house, and leveled at the top.

Burgoyne was hopelessly surrounded: artillery to the north, guarding the fords; the main army of General Gates on the southern hills over the creek, and riflemen in the woods to the west, rendering Burgoyne's outer lines scarcely tenable. The environment was completed by the 13^th. A brief armistice took place, and the absolute surrender of the entire army quickly followed. The main features of the surrender are well settled by the numerous histories of the campaign. They are substantially affirmed by the tradition of the older inhabitants of Schuylerville. The British soldiers piled their arms (not stacked them) in a diagonal line from the mouth of Fish creek northwest towards the Wm. B. Marshall house. General Gates' tent was pitched "on level ground, one hundred and thirty-nine to one hundred and fifty rods" south of Fish creek, according to General Mattoon, an eye-witness, then lieutenant in an artillery company. About noon of the 17^th, General Burgoyne, with his staff, approached the tent and was introduced to General Gates. The American army were drawn up along the heights to the south and west, and after the British officers were received and seated at dinner, the unarmed prisoners filed past, the Americans receiving them to the music of "Yankee Doodle," and the new flag just adopted - the stars and stripes - waving above the general's tent.

If the exact position of the headquarters may not be positively decided, yet the site of the Dutch church (well known), the ground required to be level, and the distance south of Fish creek given at "one hundred and thirty-nine to one hundred and fifty rods," together settle the location very nearly. General Mattoon's recently republished letter, in describing the road, speaks of it as near the bank of the river above Fish creek. If this was the case south of the creek, then the measurement for the "one hundred and thirty-nine to one hundred and fifty rods" should begin near the mouth of the creek, or near what is considered an old fording-place, rather than at the present crossing of the main road.

Albert Clemons, ninety-six years of age, says Abram Marshall, who was present at the surrender, told him often that it was "near the old Dutch church." Several other citizens of Schuylerville report the same statement from other eye-witnesses.

There has been a tradition in Schuylerville that the surrender took place on the north side of the creek, and near an elm-tree on the east of Broad street. If this tradition related to the formal delivery of the sword, it cannot be correct from the statements already given. But the agreement to surrender, and the conference for drawing up the necessary papers, may have occurred at that place.

As Fish creek was the dividing line between the two armies, the two generals or their representatives no doubt met somewhere near the creek, either one side or the other, and the tradition is pretty well sustained that it was under this elm-tree.

It is very certain, however, that the formal surrender of the sword took place south of Fish creek, "near the old Dutch church."

For a fine view of all these points at once, the tourist should climb the hill on the Simon Sheldon farm, east of the river, and stand where the American cannon were placed during those eventful days.

The ground even then was already historic. Along the banks of the Hudson, flowing now as it flowed past Burgoyne's last encampment, the French and Indians had marched a hundred years before, to desolate the villages of the Mohawk and the pioneer homes of New England. A little to the north the Batten Kill flows into the Hudson. From the high lands north of it Burgoyne descended to the river, and the fording-place is just in sight where he crossed to attempt the march upon Albany. South of the Batten Kill is the spot where old Fort Saratoga was erected in 1709. Its exact site is unknown, but it was very probably upon a beautifully rounded knoll (marked now by a single small pine), part of the second hill south of the Batten Kill.

In front of Simon Sheldon's lie the long, even, and beautiful ranges of hills, rising gently from the river, at the foot and on the slopes of which is now situated the village of Schuylerville. A little to the south Fish creek joins the Hudson, and its course is marked by the trees clustering along its banks, between the cultivated hills on either side. North of the mouth of the creek, and next the river, is the level field, the site of Fort Hardy. South of the creek is the Schuyler mansion, hidden in its own beautiful grove. Just south of this stood the one burned by order of Burgoyne. And a little southeast, back of the ancient lilacs, the older one in which Captain Peter Schuyler was shot by the Indian in 1745, and which was burned over his bleeding remains. Beyond is the site of the old Dutch church, where the voice of prayer and praise had risen amid those dark forests for many years before. West and south rise the hills where the army of General Gates was encamped, flushed with exultation at the bravely-won triumph. Between the hills and the river, or on a slightly terraced plateau south from the church, lies the "level ground" where was the marquee of General Gates.

The auspicious morning dawned at last. The papers had been signed, the details of the surrender settled, and all this vast amphitheatre was alive with the stir of one of the most decisive events of history.

The circling hills, the flowing rivers, the far-reaching valleys and the grand old forests, added beauty and splendor to the scene, while the brightest of the autumn colors were mingled with the dark hues of the waving pines.

Slowly the English soldiers perform their unwonted task. Their arms left in Fort Hardy, they march as prisoners over the stream and past the American army. General Burgoyne surrenders his sword in sight of the ruins of the Schuyler mansion, burned by his orders, and the old church desecrated by his army.

The surrender at Schuylerville made the final surrender at Yorktown possible. Defeat here would have made final defeat probable, if not certain.

Well may a monument rise from one of the most beautiful hills encircling this valley, and these thrilling events be written upon the imperishable granite, that all future ages may read the story of Saratoga, and the surrender at Schuylerville.

The town of Saratoga is thus shown to be rich in historic associations. In and around Schuylerville the spots of peculiar interest are: 1^st, the site of old Fort Hardy, where the British army stacked their arms; 2^d, the old Marshall house, north of the village, where were the wounded officers and the ladies of the officers' families; 3^d, the Schuyler mansion and grounds; 4^th, the old elm-tree on Broad street, quite well authenticated as the place of the preliminary meeting with reference to the surrender; 5^th, the place of the formal delivery of Burgoyne's sword, not precisely located, but "near the old Dutch church;" 6^th, the site of the church itself, which stood in the corner between the river-road and the one leading from the coal depot of the Victory company to their mills, in Victory village; 7^th, the remains of intrenchments on the hills south of the Victory, and also north; 8^th, Prospect Hill cemetery, the site of extensive fortifications; 9^th, the plateau where the cannon were placed, on the other side of the river, on the Sheldon farm; 10^th, the place where Burgoyne's army crossed the river above Schuylerville; and 11^th, we venture to add the Alonzo Welch place as the probable site of British burials, and where many relics have been found. To erect a monument on Prospect hill, and to mark with granite posts and flags the other spots to be seen from the monument, is a patriotic work in which the State, and even the national government itself, might well share.

Through the courtesy of Dr. Harris and Mr. Atwill, we are permitted to add the following affidavit with reference to the events of 1777. Its special interest is its full description of the old intrenchments, and it is made by a gentleman very clear in his recollection and careful in his statements:

"John C. Jeffords, being duly sworn, deposes and says: I am eighty-five years old, past; was born in the town and county of Saratoga on the 14^th day of September, A.D. 1791. Until I was about seven years of age I lived in the house where I was born, viz., a log house about three-fourths of a mile southeast of the village of Victory Mills, N.Y., and, with the exception of about ten years, I have continued to reside in said town and county, and twenty-one years of the time I acted as constable. I am acquainted with sites where I have seen breastworks said to have been thrown up by or under the direction of Burgoyne for shelter to his army from the enemy, General Gates. The greatest piece of breastwork that I have seen was on the hill where the new cemetery now is, which were from five to seven feet high. I saw also another line of breastworks on the land now owned by Alanson Welch, which were not so high. There were about twelve or fourteen large buildings made of hewn timber in a line, extending from the present residence of said A. Welch, south and west along the highway, which I have heard said were built and occupied by General Burgoyne as barracks. My grandfather on my mother's side, John Calvert, said that when Burgoyne's army retreated from Bemus Heights, they stopped a while by the old Dutch church, which was just south of Fish creek. I have seen breastworks and rifle-pits said to have been thrown up and used by General Gates' army, in the village of Victory Mills, between Michael Welch and Henry Marshall's lands, and on James Whaley's farm. My grandfather, who was fighting under General Gates, also said that at the time of the surrender of Burgoyne, General Gates' headquarters were a little south of the old Dutch church, on a high bluff. Also, that General Burgoyne's headquarters were a little southwest of the place where now is Prospect Hill cemetery. When I was twenty-two years old, two Englishmen gave me one dollar to pilot them to a certain pine-tree near where the headquarters of Burgoyne were. And afterwards I heard that they dug up and carried off in the night a large cannon said to have been buried by some of the British army. The old Dutch church stood south of the first road south of Fish creek, but north of a road that has since been discontinued. I can go to within twenty feet of where the said church once stood.

"JOHN C. JEFFORDS.

"Sworn and subscribed before me, this 7^th day of July, 1877.

"S. WELLS, Notary Public."

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XI. - INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.

MANUFACTURES.

The Saratoga Victory manufacturing company established their mills at Victory in 1846. The original capital invested was about $425,000. Large amounts of money have been expended upon the works since. They are doubling their power this year by putting in steam-engines, at an expense of $40,000. In connection with the factories there are dyeing and finishing works. They manufacture silesias and cambrics. The amount for the year closing July 1, 1877, is 819,988 pounds, or, expressed in yards, 4,487, 190. The company employs about 700 hands. The capacity of their works is 26,000 spindles. The mills have been run to their full capacity during the depressed times of the last four years. The same company purchased about twenty years since the cotton-factory at Schuylerville. This runs 6000 spindles and employs about 80 hands. This is the original factory built by Philip Schuyler in 1828, and is the oldest but one in the State. The grist-mill and saw-mill at Grangerville are also owned by this company, thus giving them the full control of this valuable water-power. They have owned there about eighteen years. The present officers of the company are E.L. Mudge, Lowell Lincoln, and C.W. Mayhew, trustees; E.L. Mudge, president; C.H. Joy, treasurer; C.W. Mayhew, agent.

The paper-mills of Schuylerville, now owned by D.A. Bullard & Sons, was established in 1863 by D.A. Bullard & Co. The buildings are on Main street. The grist-mill also owned by them, near their paper-mill, is situated on the site of the old mill burned by order of Burgoyne. The capital invested in the paper-mill and business is over $150,000. They employ 70 hands, and manufacture about four tons of book- and news-paper a day. D.A. Bullard, the senior partner in this firm, also owns one-third interest in the paper-mills at Fort Miller, five miles above. Their works at Schuylerville were destroyed by an explosion in 1864. Their own buildings, as well as several others, were piled in one immense heap of ruins. In 1870, a portion of the works were again destroyed by a similar explosion.

The head of this firm has been identified with the business interests of Schuylerville for many years. He is the oldest resident of Schuylerville who was born within its limits, and is now sixty-three years of age. His father, the late Alpheus Bullard, came from Maine, and settled in Schuylerville about 1810. He died in 1865, aged eighty. There are five sons living: D.A. Bullard and John Bullard, of Schuylerville, General E.F. Bullard, of Saratoga Springs, David H. Bullard, of Glen's Falls, and William Bullard, of Batavia, Genesee Co. One daughter became the wife of John McBride, and the other of Mr. Raynor, of New York. The wife of the latter is dead; and one son, Thomas J. Bullard, died in 1874. He was a merchant in Schuylerville.

Clothing-works. - A fulling-mill was established by the Schuylers very early. The date is uncertain, but the necessities of the country and the convenience of the waterpower must have led to it perhaps by 1800, if not before. In 1819, when Mr. Lawrence, father of Seth A. Lawrence of Schuylerville, took possession, it was already an old mill, and stood just below the dam above the present sash-factory. Mr. Lawrence continued this till about the year 1830, when, Mr. Schuyler having a few years before fitted up a part of the old distillery for a woolen-factory, Mr. Lawrence took charge of this, and the business was continued by him until 1840. He left it for a time, returning again in 1845, and the works were continued either by him or others with some interruptions until the building was destroyed by fire.

Foundry. - In the fall of 1832 David B. French, of Argyle, Washington county, came to Schuylerville looking for a place to establish a foundry, - as there was then scarcely any such establishment in the valley north of Troy. He made a contract for the old distillery and for the basement of the woolen-factory, and commenced operations immediately. David Craw (now one of the proprietors, then a boy) was with Mr. French when he came to the place. During a long series of years Mr. French remained in connection with the works, having various partners, - Messrs. Pond, Strang, Richardson, Conrad Cramer, James Cramer, and Benjamin Losee. Mr. French finally retired in 1865, when the firm was changed to David Craw & Co., and remains so at the present time. Through all this long period the works have never been suspended. The capital invested is about $30,000. The number of hands employed is ten. The line of work consists of agricultural implements, paper-mill machinery, and general repair.

Obadiah Knapp, grandfather of David Craw, was an early settler here before the Revolution. Mr. Craw has heard him relate the story of the surrender. The last time he was here he showed the place of Lovelace's execution. It was an apple-tree; the stump of which could then be seen on the Gravel hill above where it is now cut away. He pointed out the place of burial as near as the fact that the hill has been removed would permit. His account of the burial agrees with Mr. Stover's account of the finding of the remains. The surrender of the sword, according to Mr. Knapp's account, must have been, as already shown, south of the Dutch church, and not far from what was, probably, a small level spot before the canal was dug, near the small ravine, and north of the hill on which the flag-staff has been recently placed.

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XII. - MILITARY.

The War of 1812 was watched with intense interest in this section, and considerable apprehension was felt that the old Burgoyne campaign of thirty-five years before might be repeated. The town furnished its quota for the army. For the names of the men who went into the service we are dependent mostly upon the memory of citizens. The following are all we have obtained. Wm. Clements, George Strover, Henry D. Chapman, Nathaniel Somes, Elisha Phillips, substitute for James Serviss, Justus Fuller, Martin Rogers, and Isaac Ackerman. The latter was wounded at Sacket's Harbor in both shoulders by one shot. Also we add, on the authority of Werter Somas (to whom we are indebted for many other items of early times), the names of Archibald Fuller, Wm. Ward, Samuel Eldredge, Nicholas Viele, John Rogers, James Rogers, Captain James Nott.

The citizens of this town bore their full share in the War of 1861-65, for the defense of the free institutions won in 1777 upon their own soil. This patriotism is abundantly shown in the list of those who entered the army from this town, and the dead who died that the Union might live.